[Archived] City of Alexandria DOT Paratransit Program Offers Free Fares for City Trips

­­For Immediate Release: January 24, 2022

Starting January 1, 2022, all trips using the City of Alexandria’s DOT paratransit service that start and end inside the City limits, or within 3/4 of a mile from any DASH service route, are free to eligible riders. Trips to and from the Pentagon are included. The fare change aligns with the recent elimination of fares for DASH bus service. 

Fares will still be collected for trips that start or end outside of the City limits or the paratransit boundary area (3/4 mile from any DASH service route). DOT provides service throughout the City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, Arlington County, Fairfax County and Fairfax City. The DOT fare elimination does not apply to MetroAccess trips, which are a paratransit service provided by WMATA.   

The City’s DOT paratransit program provides services to Alexandria residents under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because DASH is the City’s fixed-route transportation system, it is required under federal regulations to provide a corresponding paratransit service. In September 2021, DASH fees were eliminated for all trips, in addition to those trips that were already free for approved paratransit clients.

Individuals with disabilities that prevent them from being able to use accessible transit on a temporary or permanent basis may be able to use DOT paratransit services. Residents interested in the DOT paratransit program can submit an application to become eligible for trips through this service.  

Visit the City’s DOT Paratransit Program page for more information.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Editorial Communications Manager, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact geralyn.taylor@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4084, Virginia Relay 711.